Dendrobium is a genus of about 1200 species in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), which are native to Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. They either grow on trees (epiphytes) or on rocks (lithophytes). At Flowers by the Sea, we grow Australian lithophyte Dendrobiums. In their native environment, they thrive in bright shade to full sun on rocky river canyon walls where ambient moisture is plentiful. On our farm, we can also grow them in full sun as long as we provide supplemental misting. However, we find that a setting with partial shade -- and perhaps some hours of full shade -- is better for keeping them hydrated, especially in a time of low humidity. One way to know whether your Dendrobium is receiving sufficient sunlight is by a light yellowish green leaf color; deep green indicates too much shade.

We maintain a cool growing environment for our Dendrobiums at a range of 40 to 85 degrees F. However, when humidity is high in their growing environment, these lovely yet tough plants can survive a brush with frost or temperatures up to 100 degrees F. USDA Plant Hardiness Zones with moderate winter temperatures, such as Zone 9 and beyond, are fine for growing these orchids outdoors in containers or on cork slabs or wood plaques in a sheltered, shady location.

FBTS Dendrobiums are native to southern and central eastern Australia. Their rhizome-type roots cling to crevices in damp cliffs and boulders, transporting water into storage in thick cane-like stalks called pseudobulbs that help the plants survive during dry times. Mosses and other rock plants clustered around the pseudobulbs help conserve moisture. In the wild, decaying organic matter -- such as from their own plant parts -- natural rainfall provide nutrients for growth. In cultivation, it's necessary to manage the quantity of mineral solids in irrigation water to limit the potential of salts damage. However, it's also important not to use water that is processed so as to remove all important nutrients, such as calcium. As to fertilizer, follow a standard orchid regimen for Dendrobiums, which are heavy feeders during their seasonal growth.

Lithophytic Dendrobiums need humidity, filtered sunlight and good air circulation. They should be grown in a rock mixture that may also contain orchid bark or coir chunks, because it mimics their natural growing conditions of these plants. FBTS plants and ships Dendrobiums in rock-filled terra cotta pots for sharp drainage.

Testimonials

I have ordered several times from Flowers By The Sea and would highly recommend them if you would like to receive well grown plants of excellent quality. The plants are always a good size, not puny sticks like many nurseries send. Despite my orders being shipped across country, they arrive in...

dolores waddell

My order for S. greggii alba x dorisiana, S. Amistad and S. x Electric Purple arrived yesterday afternoon in excellent condition with approx. 11\", 18\" and 8\" of growth respectively, not including blooms on Elec. Purple. (These plants are much larger and healthier looking than what I could...

Deborah Garcia

I just love the Divine Sages from FBTS - great quality and prince. The Luna variety is my favorite and I have just ordered my second one! Thank you for carrying this amazing entheogen from the Salvia family.

Joe

I am a first time customer and had reviewed this site's selection several times before buying. I hesitated because I thought the plants were a little pricy and shipping costs were higher than I was expecting. I found the money was well spent. The plants arrived quickly and were absolutely...

Kristine A Smith

I received 2 shipments in 2010, total of 8 plants, all salvias. I received large plants per capita and they were growing in an interesting well-drained mix. It contained what looked like tiny bits of clay pots in place of perlite. I highly recommend this nursery based on 2010 experience and...

Dave

Really trustworthy blog. Please keep updating with great posts like this one. I have booked marked your site and am about to email it to a few friends of mine that I know would enjoy reading..

Ellyanna

The plants that Vicki and Kermit sent are amazing in their size and health! The shipping costs are high, and there must be a way to change the packaging. Still, if you want plants that are not available elsewhere, then you get the best from the Carters. Dave Sherron in Houston

dave sherron

Flowers by the Sea is one of my favorite nurseries; buying plants from them reminds me of kennels that raise puppies in the house as family dogs until they are old enough to sell: these are well loved plants: well grown, well documented, well shipped. Pop them in the ground and stand back. I...

Katie Percy

The sage plants arrived in lovely and healthy condition and are doing great after being planted in the ground. No flowers yet, but rapid growth.
I highly recommend your company and will buy more from you.
Thank you.

Gisela Kone

I saw the beautiful salvias on a friends fb page and had to have some. He was able to share the link with me, so I ordered and absolutely love them! They are doing fabulous and I will be ordering more from this company! It's obvious they care about quality and customer satisfaction.